Giannis, Bucks wear down lowly Magic in 110-103 win

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points, Khris Middleton added 22 and the Milwaukee Bucks turned up their defensive intensity after a porous first quarter to beat the Orlando Magic 110-103 on Wednesday night.

John Henson picked up his fifth double-double of the year with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Bucks, who handed the Magic their sixth straight loss and 15th in their last 16.

Antetokounmpo was a matchup problem all night around the rim because of his length and athleticism. The 6-foot-11 forward backed down Aaron Gordon in the post, then used a spin move to drive for a layup on a three-point play for a 66-57 lead with 7:55 left in the third.

After an empty Orlando possession, Antetokounmpo took a feed along the baseline from Eric Bledsoe for an uncontested dunk. The Magic called timeout but it did not help.

Leading by 20 to start the fourth quarter, coach Jason Kidd was able to get some rest for Antetokounmpo and Bledsoe (15 points) with the Golden State Warriors visiting Milwaukee on Friday night.

Evan Fournier had 21 points to lead Orlando, which cut the deficit to single digits during the closing minutes with reserves on the floor.

Gordon had 11 points but was just 4 of 18 from the field in 30 minutes, including a stretch of 12 straight missed shots in the second and third quarters. He was averaging 24.8 points over his previous five games.

After shooting 52 percent in the first quarter, Orlando tailed off to 26 percent (6 of 23) in the second and trailed 53-46 at halftime.

TIP-INS

Magic: A stretch of losing has led to questions from some fans about whether Orlando should be tanking for a high draft pick. Coach Frank Vogel wants no part of that discussion. "That's not a word I digest. I'm trying to build a winning culture, winning habits. And that's my only focus," Vogel said before the game.

Bucks: F Jabari Parker is on target to return from a left knee injury the week before the All-Star break. Kidd said Parker was doing great and is about a month away from playing. ... Henson had an active night , including eight points and eight rebounds in the first half.

UP NEXT

Magic: Wrap up a three-game trip with a visit to the Washington Wizards on Friday.Bucks: Reach the midpoint of the season by hosting Golden State on Friday.

For the fifth straight year, all under head coach Kelly Sheffield, the Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team enters the season with a top ten national rank in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) top-25 preseason poll.

For the fifth straight year, all under head coach Kelly Sheffield, the Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team enters the season with a top ten national rank in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) top-25 preseason poll.

The Badgers have very few spots up for grabs on the offensive side of the ball with nine starters returning. One of the few holes to fill is at tight end following the departure of Troy Fumagalli to the NFL. Former Madison Memorial star Jake Ferguson is hoping to help fill the void.

The Badgers have very few spots up for grabs on the offensive side of the ball with nine starters returning. One of the few holes to fill is at tight end following the departure of Troy Fumagalli to the NFL. Former Madison Memorial star Jake Ferguson is hoping to help fill the void.

Devin Harris is returning to the Dallas Mavericks for the third time after signing a $2.4 million free agent contract. The Mavericks announced the deal with the 14-year veteran on Wednesday. His contract is for the veteran minimum.

Devin Harris is returning to the Dallas Mavericks for the third time after signing a $2.4 million free agent contract. The Mavericks announced the deal with the 14-year veteran on Wednesday. His contract is for the veteran minimum.